Lean Japan Tour – May 2026 – Japan Study Mission
The May 2026 Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour will take place from Sunday, 24th May to Saturday, 30th May.
This immersive Japan study mission provides a comprehensive exploration of lean manufacturing, featuring expert-led training on the Toyota Production System, practical kaizen workshops, and engaging factory visits. Participants will learn directly from a former Toyota manager and senior executives at top Japanese companies, and gain valuable cultural insights through a carefully designed program that blends professional learning with cultural immersion.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
For further details, FAQ, and alternative Japan study mission dates see our Lean Japan Tour page.
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding your participation or download the Japan study mission registration form to register now.
The May 2026 program is targeted at English-speaking professionals from across the globe.
The Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour provides participants with a unique opportunity to explore lean management and kaizen practices at their source in Japan.
Our Japan study mission programs are designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of lean principles and apply them effectively within their own organizations. Participants will engage directly with experienced industry leaders who have successfully embedded lean strategies into daily operations.
The program includes visits to benchmark lean factories, offering firsthand exposure to lean systems in practice and the tangible impact of kaizen on performance. Hands-on training sessions centered on the Toyota Production System equip participants with practical skills and insights to support continuous improvement in their own workplaces.
Example agenda based on previous Japan study missions
Sunday: Arrive Tokyo
- Tokyo Sightseeing / Free Time
- Orientation & Japanese Business Etiquette Seminar
- Welcome Dinner
Monday: Site Visits & Training
- Travel to Aichi Prefecture
- Seminar | Lean Leadership in Japan
- Site Tour | Suzaki Industries | Toyota Supplier
- Seminar | Toyota Production System
- Group Dinner in Inuyama
Tuesday: Seminars & Practical Training
- Seminar | Toyota Production System Standard Work
- Hands-on Training | Kaizen Team Challenge
- Group Dinner | Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Wednesday: Site Visit & Practical Training
- Site Visit | Metal One Isuzu (Steel Service Center)
- Practical Training | Kanban Simulation
- Sightseeing at Inuyama Castle
Thursday: Site Visits
- Factory Tour | Auotomotive final assembly plant or supplier
- Factory Tour | Precision tools manufacturer
Friday: Site Visit & Debriefing
- Factory visit | Automotive Parts Supplier
- Factory visit | Electronics manufacturer
- Final seminar and Tour Debrief Session
- Return to Tokyo
- Farewell Dinner in Shibuya
Saturday: Tokyo – Recovery and Sightseeing
- Tokyo Sightseeing | Asakusa and Ginza
- Departure
Over the years, the Shinka Management Lean Japan Tour has included visits to more than 50 factories, service providers, hospitals, and government offices across Japan. Each Japan study mission features a tailored itinerary shaped by seasonal timing, host company availability, and the focus areas of the tour leaders. Sites are selected for the strength of their lean and kaizen practices, with an emphasis on practical learning rather than industry type. Separate specialist programs are also included on our annual calendar including our Lean Healthcare Tour and Japan Housing Mission, and the Lean Japan Tour is also offered in languages other than English from time to time.
To learn more about the program agenda for the May 2026 Lean Japan Tour, please contact Shinka Management using the form below.
We have had the privelege of hosting participants from 70 countries to date on our Japan study missions…
Madrid, Spain
The tour has given me the opportunity to understand in a practical way what I learned theoretically. I have checked that the theory is possible to put in practice. This has been the first time that I have felt the lean manufacturing philosophy first hand. Congratulations to the Shinka Team. The organisation has been perfect…
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Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
This past week has been truly eye-opening, seeing how the theories we learned in class come to life through practical application during our visits. The hosts were outstanding, with even the highest level of management taking time to showcase their work. Their humility, resilience, and commitment to continuous improvement at the highest level were inspiring.…
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Thank you for the well-organized and informative tour. It can be distracting to read and attend lectures about lean, but when combined with practical training and actual visits to the home of lean, it helps to clarify and connect all the dots. The tour was an eye-opening experience where we witnessed lean manufacturing principles in…
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Christchurch, New Zealand
I highly recommend the Lean Study Tour of Japan as an experience not to be missed. Having attended the tour for the past three years, supporting our clients, I have come away with new learnings every time. Whether you are new to Lean Thinking or well into your Lean Journey you will undoubtedly have an…
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Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States
The Lean Japan Tour was one of the best quality training programs that I’ve attended. The information is provided in a good learning environment and the hands on activities along with in-plant tours to see the lean concepts in action helped reinforce the concepts. There is so much I learned on this trip that I…
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Learn More About Our Japan Study Missions
Held multiple times throughout the year, the Lean Japan Tour is Shinka Management’s flagship professional development program—an immersive Japan study mission focused on lean practices and methodologies. While all of our lean manufacturing tours follow a consistent framework, each program is customized with site visits and content tailored to the availability and strengths of host companies. This ensures a unique and engaging learning experience on every tour, highlighting a variety of lean applications and kaizen success stories.
To explore upcoming Japan study missions in more detail, visit our Lean Tour page for detailed program information and participant feedback. Whether you’re aiming to deepen your understanding of lean principles or gain practical tools to drive improvement, our tours offer a powerful and practical learning experience.
Past Participants in Shinka Management Japan Study Mission Programs
Contact us about a Lean Japan Tour
Speak to us about our study missions, or secure your position now.